Investigating the susceptibility of some newly introduced Ghanaian maize varieties to infestation by Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera curculionidae)

Abstract

Grains of 10 varieties of maize including 3 local varieties were analysed in the laboratory for their susceptibility to infestation by the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais during storage. Kawanzie was the least susceptible and Pool 16SR the most susceptible to infestation by insect. Grains of Pool 16EV85, Gandajika 8149 and Dobidi did not differ significantly (st P=0.05) from Kawanzie in susceptibility to infestation by S. zeamais. However three local varieties namely Ho Local Two, Ho Local One and Pokoase Local were more susceptible to infestation than Kawanzie. Significant differences in susceptibility were not observed (at P=0.05) between Pool 16SR, the three local varieties, Composite 4, Aburotia CRI and Dobidi. Fat, carbohydrate, phosphorus, iron, ash, calcium or protein contents of the grains of the different varieties studied had no significant correlation (at P=0.05) with susceptibility to insect infestation